Single Publication

WILDFIRE UPDATE - Delta Area - #pogomineroadfire (#191) & #mounthayesfire (#299)

Tuesday - August 15, 2023

The Airshow continues, Firefighters dig in

Another day of warm and dry weather in the Delta area led to an increase in fire behavior on both fires with noticeable smoke columns on the Pogo Mine Road Fire. A swift and steady response from air tankers and helicopters knocked down flare ups and kept the fire from spreading. Firefighters worked to secure control lines and provided structure protection with a load of smokejumpers joining the effort Monday evening.

Pogo Mine Road Fire (#191) – 47,179 acres | 96 personnel | 12 miles NW of Delta
The main area of growth occurred in the southwest corner of the fire near the Winter Trail. Fire Bosses, Super scoopers, retardant planes and helicopters targeted hot spots with a continuous bombardment. A load of smokejumpers from Fairbanks parachuted into the south flank to provide structure protection for cabins north of Quartz Lake close to the fire’s edge. Tongass Fire Suppression Module is working to secure hot spots directly along the Alyeska Pipeline. Tanana Chiefs Conference Crew is protecting structures and Arroyo Grande Hotshots are in place for both structure protection along Shaw Creek and to complete mop up near structures.

Mount Hayes Fire (#299) – 7,085 acres | 90 personnel | 7 miles SE of Deltana
This wildfire is being monitored by air with resources in place to hold and improve the north dozer lines. Fire activity has been minimal with creeping and smoldering. Firefighters, including the Sierra Hotshots, are getting the necessary supplies for protecting cabins and getting set up logistically for remote camping. The main focus is installing pumps, hoses and sprinklers for three public-use cabins east of the Gerstle River owned by Alaska Fish and Game.

Weather: A low pressure system moving into the Gulf of Alaska will increase winds slightly Tuesday night into Wednesday and bring some better chances for more widespread showers. Tuesday’s weather: Max temperature around 70 with low humidity at 45 percent and northwest winds 7 to 10 mph decreasing to light and variable.

A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for the fires, pilots please check NOTAMs.

Fire Information: Phone number: 541-977-2756 / Fire Info website: AkFireInfo.com Facebook: AK.Forestry / Twitter: @AK_Forestry / YouTube: AlaskaDNRDOF